Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use a standard digital stills camera using a range of techniques.
It applies to individuals who are planning a career in photo imaging, or in contexts where photography may not be the primary job role or main focus of work activity.
At this level, work would be undertaken independently, but within established parameters and under supervision and guidance.
No licensing, legislative or certification conditions apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare to capture digital images | 1.1 Discuss photographic project with relevant people and select appropriate camera and accessories 1.2 Assess digital camera features to ensure that outcomes meet project requirements 1.3 Plan shots for project taking into account digital camera features, lighting, photographic design elements and photographic techniques |
2. Preview and experiment with image capture | 2.1 Operate digital camera according to manufacturer specifications 2.2 Set digital camera preferences and use photographic techniques to achieve desired results 2.3 Adjust planned shots as required and experiment with different ways of achieving desired results |
3. Review images | 3.1 Adopt safe ergonomic practices when using screens and keyboards for extended periods of time 3.2 Download digital images or scan developed film images using appropriate digital imaging software where appropriate 3.3 Rotate, cull, sort and rename images to meet requirements 3.4 Apply metadata and key words to images as required 3.5 Back up files of images and archive as required 3.6 Seek feedback from others on quality of original captures and note areas for improvement |
4. Enhance images | 4.1 Use digital imaging software to manipulate original captures images 4.2 Evaluate enhanced images and confirm with relevant people that project requirements have been achieved 4.3 Seek feedback from others on quality of enhanced images and note areas for improvement |
5. Finalise image capture process | 5.1 Catalogue, extracting and embedding metadata as required 5.2 Complete workflow documentation as required 5.3 Clean and store equipment and accessories according to workplace procedures |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
use a stills digital camera to capture photo images that meet specific requirements
use digital software to enhance images to meet the quality and look required by the projects
store images and equipment according to workplace requirements.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
outline basic techniques that are used to plan shots
identify features of standard digital cameras and explain how these impact on a camera’s photographic capability
summarise elements and principles of design for photo images
describe how light constrains and lighting enhances photographic image capture
describe pixel count (megapixels) and how this relates to the resolution and output size of the final image
describe how metadata is used to categorise photographic images
outline cleaning techniques for cameras and accessories
identify work health and safety requirements when using screens and keyboards for extended periods of time.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:
digital stills camera and accessories to allow downloading of images
digital imaging software
manuals to support software.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 2.1, 2.2 | Interprets straightforward information from relevant sources to operate equipment correctly |
Writing | 3.3, 3.4, 5.1, 5.2 | Uses clear, specific and industry-related terminology and key words to record file identification information and complete related process documentation |
Oral Communication | 1.1, 3.6, 4.2, 4.3 | Participates in discussions with others using clear and relevant language to determine requirements Uses listening and questioning techniques to request feedback and confirm understanding |
Navigate the world of work | 3.1, 5.3 | Observes workplace safety practices when performing tasks Follows correct procedures for equipment cleaning and storage |
Interact with others | 1.1, 3.6, 4.2, 4.3 | Follows accepted communication practices and procedures to discuss work progress, and seeks and accepts feedback |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.3, 2.3, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5, 4.1, 5.3 | Plans and organises routine tasks with familiar goals and outcomes in a methodical sequence Analyses photo imaging project to identify the camera features and functions required to achieve desired outcomes Uses digital tools to capture, identify and store digital images Makes technical and aesthetic decisions about image enhancement to meet project requirements with input from others |
Sectors
Visual communication – photo imaging